𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐒 | 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐮𝐳𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐄𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐎 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲; 𝐓𝐀𝐔 𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Higher Education Institutions (HEI) across Central Luzon gathered at Bulacan State University (BulSU) for the 1st Central Luzon Association of International Relations Officers (CLAIRO) General Assembly and ACHIEVE Conference held on 25 March, highlighting strengthened collaboration toward internationalization and academic competitiveness in the region.

The event, themed “UGNAYAN: Unifying Global Networks and Yielding Academic Niches,” was organized in partnership with the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Regional Office III and brought together internationalization officers, university administrators, and academic leaders to align strategies for global engagement and cross-border academic cooperation.

Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) was represented by the External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA) Office, headed by its Director Dr. Marianne P. Villaruel, alongside the Assistant Director Dr. Sheila R. Lingaya, and the Chief of Partnership Development Ms. Caroline N. Gabis. Their presence formed part of TAU’s active engagement in regional discussions on expanding institutional linkages and strengthening international cooperation frameworks.

Key discussions during the assembly centered on developing sustainable international programs, improving institutional mobility mechanisms, and identifying collaborative opportunities among participating universities. Experts and representatives from various higher education institutions shared insights on building globally responsive academic systems aligned with emerging trends in higher education.

During the event, Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, former Director of TAU ELIA and current Director IV of the CHED International Affairs Office, shared valuable insights on internationalization.

The conference also marked the formal organization of CLAIRO officers and members through an oath-taking ceremony led by CHED representatives, reinforcing the association’s role as a coordinating body for international relations officers in Central Luzon.

As part of the ACHIEVE initiative, participants collectively outlined forward-looking strategies aimed at enhancing regional synergy and institutional readiness for global partnerships.

TAU’s participation underscored its commitment to advancing external linkages and embedding internationalization within its institutional priorities, aligning with broader efforts to position Central Luzon universities in the global academic landscape.